Facility Rules and Policies

There is very limited access to the Refuge, for both the protection of sensitive wildlife and for public safety. Please do not go off trails, or into fenced areas. All wetland areas are restricted for the protection of sensitive wildlife. The Refuge beach is closed annually from March - September to protect nesting habitat for federally threatened western snowy plover. 

To help make your visit enjoyable and safe, see the complete list of compatible uses in Appendix D of the CCP.

Refuge Rules and Regulations

To protect wildlife and habitat, visitor access is limited to designated trails and roads only. All other Refuge lands and staff roads are closed to visitor entry.

Please Enjoy these Wildlife Related Recreational Activities:

  • Wildlife observation
  • Wildlife photography
  • Wildlife tracking
  • Hiking
  • Birding
  • Journaling/ drawing
  • Commercial photography and recording (with special use permit)

Prohibited activities and uses include, but are not limited to:

  • Biking.
  • Motorized vehicles.
  • Pets and other domestic animals (dogs, cats, horses, etc.). See Service Animals policy below.
  • Abandonment of wild or domestic animals.
  • Launching, landing, and operating aircraft (model aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles / drones).
  • Possessing and discharging fireworks.
  • Hunting.
  • Discharging of firearms or other weapons.
  • Disturbing, injuring, and damaging wildlife and plants.
  • Removal of any object (plants, wildlife, natural objects, mineral, antiquities, etc.).
  • Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages.
  • Possession or consumption of marijuana and any illegally controlled substance and associated paraphernalia.
  • Camping, tents, and building of structures.
  • Abandonment of personal property and littering / dumping.
  • Use of boats, canoes, kayaks, float tubes, paddleboards, and other floatation devices on Refuge waters.
  • Swimming, wading, and bathing in all Refuge waters.
  • Campfires and grills.
  • Fishing on the Refuge. (Fishing can be conducted on the beach, below the mean high tide line in accordance with State and local laws.

For additional information call the Refuge at (805) 644-5185 or email hoppermountain@fws.gov

To Report Violations on Federal Refuge Lands: dial 1-844-397-8477 or email FWS_TIPS@fws.gov

To Report Emergency / Medical / Fire: dial 911

Service Animals

Service animals are allowed, but must be on leash control at all times. The definition of a service animal is any animal that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. The crime deterrence effects of an animal’s presence and the provision of emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship do not constitute work or tasks for the purposes of this definition.

Emotional support, therapy, or comfort animals do not qualify or meet the definition of a service animal under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). For more information on service animals please refer to the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division’s “Frequently Asked Questions about Service Animals and the ADA” pdf file